Manager Lee Johnson spoke to the media following his sides 2-2 draw away at Barnsley on Saturday, and he gave an update on Junior Quitirna, Shaun Rooney and Brendan Wiredu after the trio went off at Oakwell.
The trio were all subbed off during the score draw against the Tykes at the weekend with Quitirna limping down the tunnel after going down off the ball holding his hamstring, with Wiredu next to come off the pitch, before Rooney limped off with 10 minutes to go.
There were a few worried heads in the travelling crowd and the manager thought he would touch on the subject to help ease the nerves of the Cod Army ahead of the Fylde Coast Derby on Wednesday evening at Highbury.
Regarding Junior’s injury, Johnson said: “We’ve enjoyed working with him because of his attitude in training and matches, and we will have to assess him for Wednesday. He felt some tightness and he will be a big loss for us if he’s not fit, but I am delighted for him with how well he did at Barnsley.”
As mentioned before, both Wiredu and Rooney left the field in the second half, seemingly carrying injuries, and the manager said this on the duo: “We’ve got a few walking wounded in the dressing room after the Barnsley game - that’s just where we are at the minute.
“At times, I feel I am robbing Peter to pay Paul for various qualities we need on the pitch whether that is fitness, height, or energy. We will get there because we have the method, and the boys are really engaged. I have enjoyed working with them since I arrived, and I believe in the lot and now it’s up to the players to believe in themselves.”
Carl Johnston wasn’t in the matchday squad on Saturday, with the club continuing to monitor his situation ahead of Wednesday’s derby match against the Seasiders. Harvey Macadam is back in training, but these next two games might come just too early for the midfielder.
Hear everything the gaffer had to say in his post-Barnsley press conference, including points on the Fylde Coast Derby, the importance of the fans, and much more!